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Raptor AR Sunglasses bring heads-up display to cyclists and triathletes

Mark Coppock
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So far, augmented reality is seeing more practical applications than its sibling virtual reality. While VR is making its most significant advancements in gaming, AR is progressing most rapidly in real-world applications like scientific research, education, and medicine.

Another area where AR can make some noise is in sports, where athletic performance can be enhanced by overlaying a host of data over athletes’ unobstructed view of the real world in which they are competing. One day, we might see AR being using in team competition — adding another layer of technology to winning and losing — but for now, it seems like solo training and competition will come first. Case in point: Everysight’s Raptor AR Smartglasses, which were announced on Wednesday for cyclists and triathletes.

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Everysight uses patented Beam technology that embeds a transparent, see-through display into the company’s Raptor sunglasses to create a “true AR experience” providing high-resolution information in real time. Unlike some competitive systems, Raptor information is project farther out in front of athletes instead of more closely located around their eyes in a way that can obscure their vision.

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As Everysight CEO Asaf Ashkenazi put it, “Current smartglasses obstruct the rider’s vision. The Raptor provides riders with a true augmented reality experience by floating information crisply and directly before the eye without blocking an athlete’s vision, meaning they can safely access and analyze vital information on the go and maximize their performance.”

The Raptor system provides a wide range of information of value to cyclists, including turn-by-turn navigation, time, distance, speed, heart rate, cadence, power, and the sunglasses also work to create clear vision while reducing eyestrain. Riders can use a handlebar controller, swipe-and-touch pad located on the Raptor’s temple portion or use voice commands.

The Raptor incorporates a look-and-shoot HD camera to enable video that can be shared via social media and analyzed when a ride is completed. In addition, external sensors can be integrated with the Raptor to capture more information related to heart rate, cadence, speed, and more which can then be uploaded to the Raptor companion app on iOS and Android.

Everysight has not announced a shipping date for the Raptor, but riders who want to get an early look at the smartglasses and take part in the final development cycle can sign up for the exclusive test pilot program. Participants will receive pre-release versions of the Raptor and their feedback will help finalize the shipping product. They will also receive first dibs at consumer versions when they are released. You can sign up for the test pilot program at the Everysight website.

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Mark Coppock
Mark Coppock
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